County of Lanark

Location:

Perth, Ontario

Size:

Two buildings totaling 35,000 sq.ft.

The Challenge:

To replace cramped, fragmented and tired facilities with a fresh and functional workspace that respected tax payer dollars, maintained the confidentiality of clients accessing social services, and showcased the natural resources and tourism opportunities within the County.

The Solution:

Lanark County houses its administration organization in two buildings in Perth. One houses Public Works. The other houses the rest of the organization as well as special facilities including Council chambers, IT training, an emergency response site, and social service interview rooms.

When a tenant moved out of the main building, this created an opportunity for Lanark County to develop a more effective and functional work environment. Any redesign would need to address and accommodate the specific needs of such a wide variety of occupants.

Meredith and her team conducted a space needs analysis and developed planning options that would improve the security and accessibility of the facilities, reduce organization unit fragmentation, provide a confidential and respectful environment for the social services clients, and showcase the tourism and natural resources of the County.

The team presented options based on three degrees of potential change: minimal, retrofit and renovation. Each suite of options was accompanied by detailed space planning notes and analysis. Occupants and politicians used this material to educate themselves about the cost impact and organizational benefits of each proposal. They were also able to determine how each proposal would integrate with the required HVAC system replacement.

The County has implemented the project including both interior and exterior renovations.